Daughter appeals for help to find out what happened to her dad

The daughter of missing man presumed murdered is appealing for information to help solve the mystery of his disappearance almost 24 years later.

Amanda Atkinson, 40, was just 15 when her father Henry ‘Harry’ Baines vanished from his home in Victoria Street, Fleetwood in February 1989.

Six years after the father-of-two disappeared the police dramatically upgraded their investigation into a murder inquiry.

Despite spending two decades trying to piece together what happened including arresting four people and ripping up and searching the cellar at Mr Baines’ home, the police case remains unsolved.

The mother-of-five said: “For me this is just about getting answers. I urge anyone who has information about what has happened to my dad to contact police.

“This feels like it might be my last chance but I will never give up hoping to find the answers I need.”

Police confirmed the investigation into Mr Baines’ disappearance is still open.

Det Ch Insp Andy Gilbert said: “The investigation into the disappearance of Henry Baines is now a murder enquiry.

“Lancashire Constabulary keeps all cases under continuing review and took the decision based on the evidence available and length of time that Mr Baines has been missing.

“Mr Baines’s family have been kept up to date at all stages of the investigation and the Force Major Investigation Team remain committed to finding out the truth about what has happened to him and I would stress that it is never too late for people to come forward with new information.

“This is an on-going investigation and anyone with any information about the disappearance of Henry Baines should contact police on 101.”

FOR THE FULL STORY SEE WEDNESDAY’S GAZETTE.

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